Exceed Expectations in Driveline Efficiency
The demands on driveline technologies are greater than ever before. Today’s designs are expected to operate powerfully at higher speeds. At the same time, smaller sizes and lightweight materials are required to achieve fuel efficiency targets. To maximize driveline efficiency, these conflicting goals must be balanced at an appropriate price point.
Modifications to the physical design of the driveline can only get designers so far. Also, these physical alterations are often expensive and time consuming. Before re-inventing the wheel, existing systems should be evaluated to identify low effort, cost-effective changes.
Carefully selected materials, including lubricants, remain critical in meeting performance and lightweighting goals. With so many different materials and operating conditions at play, it is critical to select a lubricant that was formulated with all these different factors in mind.
Without a sufficient lubricating film, friction and resistance increase, thus requiring more power during operation. This can negatively impact fuel efficiency in hybrid and ICE vehicles and driving range in electric vehicles. Frictional wear also compromises the structural integrity of components and can contaminate driveline fluids by introducing abrasive wear particles into the design. Selecting a lubricant with excellent friction reduction properties reduces fuel consumption, extends battery life, and frees your lubricant from contaminants that can impact its efficacy.
With higher driveline speeds comes higher driveline temperatures, which can cause a host of issues if not properly managed. Lubricant temperature affects everything from changes in viscosity to oxidation rates and aeration. If not properly selected, the wrong lubricant will degrade at higher temperatures. Fluids optimized for high-temperature performance are recommended.
A lubricant must not only withstand high temperatures, it must also actively dissipate heat and cool driveline systems. The ability to transfer heat is directly related to its thermal conductivity. In general, lower viscosity fluids have better thermal conductivity. Lower driveline temperatures can increase driveline output and ensure driver safety by preventing fires.
Viscosity plays an essential role in ensuring your lubricant coats the appropriate areas. Equally important is the viscosity index (VI) which quantifies how a fluid’s viscosity changes with temperature. Understanding VI is particularly important for drivetrain applications that require stable performance over a wide temperature range. A higher VI value indicates greater stability whereas a lower VI denotes a more significant change.
Consider cold starts. Lubricants with a higher viscosity will thicken as temperatures drop. The longer it takes for a lubricant to get where it needs to go, the more friction the system generates, and the more energy is required to get things up and running. On the opposite side of the spectrum, fluids begin to thin at high temperatures, causing them to move away from the intended area. Lubricants with a higher VI are recommended to ensure maximum efficiency at high and low temperatures.
Oxidation is also more common at high temperatures. When driveline fluids oxidize, it can create sludge and varnish that can corrode metal surfaces, clog filters, and increase friction. In addition to increasing wear, varnish can also create an insulative layer on components which retains heat and limits the lubricants cooling ability. Lubricants fortified with antioxidant technology are less likely to create sludge and varnish.
We’ve already mentioned that a variety of factors can contribute to the degradation of driveline components. When components like seals and gaskets degrade, it can introduce additional air into the system and the lubricant. Cavitation and foaming are perhaps the most serious consequence of aeration. Cavitation occurs when air bubbles in fluids collapse in a high-pressure environment, causing pitting to occur. Aeration can also cause foaming which can not only overflow but could also cause a fire hazard. Fluids with anti-foaming technology are recommended in driveline applications to ensure it operates to its full potential.
FUCHS is Your Partner for Innovative Driveline Lubrication
Formulating a driveline fluid for maximum efficiency requires optimizing performance in one area without sacrificing too much of it in another. It’s important to work with suppliers who see lubricants not simply as products but solutions. FUCHS uses an agile approach to develop timely, innovative solutions that meet your technical and commercial requirements for driveline applications. Using our world-wide R&D network we’ve developed a tool set designed that assists us in designing, best-value, customized solutions. Backed by performance data, our high-performance, reliable solutions offer maximum durability for transmissions, starters, differentials, axles, and more. We’re ready to work with you to develop the perfect solution for your driveline.
